MUM Marjorie Marsden has spent 11 years looking after her fellow tenants.

As a reward for her hard work she was crowned tenant of the year at the national TPAS awards 2015 at a ceremony in Warwickshire.

And no one was more surprised that Mrs Marsden, a mum of four and grandmother of three.

She said: "I was amazed. You never think it is going to be you."

Mrs Marsden who lives on the Shakerly estate, is vice chair of Wigan and Leigh Homes board which she says is a privilege.

She is passionate about her role. "I consider it an honour to be a tenant member of the board and the respect I have had from colleagues."

She has worked tirelessly to get things done in the Atherton area including new kitchens and the removal of hedges.

She said: "We live in one of the most deprived areas of the borough and if I can make a difference for one tenant, then I am happy."

Mrs Marsden is also a school governor, a member of the Church Parochial Council, helps run her local community centre. She organises a youth club and runs Beavers Group. And in her spare time she is a bell ringer.

Janice Barton, Chief Executive of Wigan and Leigh Homes, said: ‘We are very proud of Marjorie and pleased that her tireless work to improve the lives of tenants and residents on our estates has been recognised. Marjorie is a great role model for the difference volunteering in your community can achieve.”